Veteran spent his life doing good for others

Popular veteran Al Tieken received more duty on Memorial Day. God took him to heaven because he was so “special” in so many different ways.

All of us know how valuable he was with his all-out efforts for years on Memorial Day in Dixon. He worked very hard to honor those who died for this great country.

His visitation at the church was the largest I have ever attended. It lasted for hours, and it was a wonderful salute showing how well he was loved in this community.

Personally, I have some thanks for Al.

Thanks, Al, for leaving a happy birthday message on my cellphone in late May.

Thanks, Al, for always being concerned about my handicapped son, Ted Jr.

Thanks, Al, for attending the ceremony at Ballou Park when they named a ball field in my honor.

This thank-you list could go on and on.

Al Tieken’s remains will be buried at Sugar Grove Cemetery. Rightly so; Al dedicated many years of service to this school and cemetery.

We walk through life but once. However, what we do for others will live on forever. Al spent his life doing things for others.

If your life crossed paths with Al Tieken, it made you a better person. He loved all of us, and we loved him.